Once you give birth to your little one, you must have thought that you are free from all challenges, but that is far from the truth.
The stages after the birth of your baby are not so boring either.
What to expect from the postpartum phase?
You have done a remarkable job giving birth. You may have had a vaginal or emergency birth, but once you hold your baby in your arms, you’ll feel like both your body and mind have turned against you.
Until you recover, here are some challenges from the first stage of your postpartum to the last.
While you are solely focused on your newborn, the initial physical and emotional adjustment can be a bit difficult.
- Thanks to your declining hormones you will be surprised with straining, vaginal bleeding, postpartum bleeding, eclampsia, urinary incontinence, etc.
- You want to get back in shape. But that won’t happen so soon. You may lose about 10 pounds right after giving birth. But you would require beyond the first month, to lose the weight you have gained during your pregnancy.
- Even your belly or baby won’t get back into shape that soon. You’ll still look pregnant.
- But, if you feel blue, crying or excited. this is perfectly fine and natural.
Until you reach 2n.d up to 6u or 8u One week postpartum
(A little over a month), you will feel much better. The challenges of the first phase your postpartum period may not be entirely a thing of the past, but changes are slowly coming. After all, hormones take their own sweet time to adjust to your body and mind. So, the challenges you are going to encounter in this phase of your labor are:
- Healing of the vagina and perineum will take longer than expected. But the bleeding and pain is lighter and much better now.
- Swollen breasts as well as sore nipples as a result of continuous breastfeeding may prove to be uncomfortable for you.
- Night sweats or hot flashes during this time are your body’s need to flush out postpartum fluids.
- You can expect your mood to disappear after two weeks. But if you find yourself struggling with your emotions even after 2n.d week, consult your healthcare provider.
- If your delivery is by C-section, the incision sites may be numb, itchy, or sometimes even painful.
- In the first three months of your delivery and after it, you will notice certain changes in your hair. (Pregnancy hormones made your hair thick). At this stage, you will find that your hair has thinned. Hair loss will also not be unusual. Expect your hair loss to stop within 6 months of giving birth. However, you can get your hair back within a year.
- During your nine months of pregnancy, you have worn the stretch marks around your belly and near your thighs, hips and bottom as a lot of pride. But, after giving birth, there will be itchy marks on your skin. These signs do not disappear immediately. With medical help as well as natural remedies they disappear over time.
How do you deal with postpartum changes?
The postpartum period is the period of recovery of muscles as well as connective tissue. But the recovery stage would not be easy. Your body will need about 3 to 6 months to fully adjust and recover.
To see your overall health recover, a visit to the doctor is the norm. Your health care provider will certainly advise you about medical treatments. At the same time, you should get into a physical routine to heal your body and mind.
How to deal with perineal pain?
Since labor involves stretching and tearing in the perineal area (the area between the rectum and the vagina), doing Kegel exercises can help a lot.
- Doing Kegels three times a day for at least 10 seconds may prevent you from urinating.
- Wrap ice in a towel and place the cold pack on the perineum. The pain will gradually begin to decrease.
- Take a relaxing warm bath.
- To prevent yourself from any kind of contamination in the area, practice wiping from front to back after using the bathroom.
- Sit on a pillow or donut-shaped pillow.
How to treat uterine cramps?
The uterus (womb) has worked very hard to carry your precious little one. After your baby is born, you will feel pain in your uterus as it tries to return to its pre-pregnancy size. You need to go to a healthcare professional to help you with over-the-counter medications.
How to treat vaginal discharge?
With the birth of the baby, your body will release heavy as well as bright red blood with clots in the first few days. Over time, the bleeding will be lighter. Sanitary napkins will save you this time. It would be helpful to wear pads until the bleeding stops.
How to deal with breast enlargement as well as secured or sore nipples?
The breast may be full of milk and swollen. Here’s how to treat breast engorgement and nipple pain or soreness naturally:
- Try to breastfeed regularly and for longer to feel better. In addition, try not to skip the night streams.
- Try taking a warm bath to help the milk flow.
- Applying cold packs to the chest can help.
- Wear supportive underwear when you’re not feeding your little one.
- In addition to this, you will experience nipple pain when your baby does not latch properly. Massage some breast milk into the nipple to ease the pain. However, after feeding the baby, allow the nipples to air dry.
- Change your baby’s position while feeding. Alternatively, feed from both breasts.
- Make sure your little one’s mouth has the entire nipple (the dark area around the nipple) inside while the baby is latching.
- To further relieve breast engorgement and nipple pain, you may be advised to apply ointment or lotion to the breasts.
How to deal with swelling?
Post-pregnancy swelling seen in the hands, face and feet is due to extra fluid in the body. Fluid retention has been happening since the days of your pregnancy. So, it would take some time for the swelling to disappear naturally. You still have to put in some extra effort to deal with postpartum swelling. Here’s what you can do about it:
- Try to lie on your left hand
- Keep your feet up
- Wear loose and comfortable clothes
- Stay hydrated
How to treat hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids or piles are a result of constipation, the growth of the fetus and the increase in blood volume during pregnancy. But, even after your baby is born, you won’t find the pesky piles leaving you. So what can you do about it?
- Bathe in warm water
- Of course, you have a nutritious and balanced diet. Additionally, include high-fiber foods as part of your daily postpartum routine
- Try not to strain the rectum
- Stay hydrated
How to deal with urinary problems after childbirth?
You may feel the urge to go to the toilet repeatedly in the first few days after giving birth. This is something also known as urinary incontinence, which is accompanied by a feeling of pain and burning. So, how can you deal with postpartum urinary incontinence?
- Stay hydrated
- Go for a sitz bath
- Perform Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles
- There may be times when you don’t feel like peeing. Encourage urination by pressing the faucet.
How to deal with a bump after baby?
Although it will take some time to get your pre-pregnancy abs, focus on your fitness levels. Some gentle exercises such as brisk walking, knee touches and leg extensions can help you stay in shape. Take it slow. Breastfeeding your baby also helps in reducing your weight. Have healthy food.
How to deal with hot flashes and night sweats?
Take a towel while going to bed and sleep on it. The towel will soak up your sweat. Wear loose and comfortable clothes.
How to deal with postpartum fatigue?
Constant feeding sessions and adjusting your life around caring for your precious can be exhausting. How to deal with this?
- Take a nap. Especially when your baby is sleeping
- Fuel your body with healthy (protein and iron) foods
- Try to engage in only those household chores that are feasible. Don’t worry if your house looks messy. No need to overdo it and get tired.
How to deal with anxiety and postpartum depression?
Feeling overwhelmed at this point is completely natural. It may not take more than 2 weeks, but you can do a lot to help yourself.
- Rest as much as you can.
- Join support groups when new mums are suffering from similar issues as you.
- Give yourself some time. Maybe you could go to the spa or do something you enjoy more.
- Going back to work wouldn’t be easy right now, but you can start working from home.
Postpartum is a life adjustment. Relax and enjoy it thoroughly.
